"Chosen One!"

The tone was mocking, cruel. "You… are the Chosen One?"

"Who are you?" Tails stood at the edge of a precipice. On one side, a pillar of flame billowed high into the air, on the other… a drop to certain oblivion. The voice was at once everywhere and nowhere, from every angle, and from within. The sky was thick with red clouds, and all creation seared his nose with the sharp smell of sulfur and ash.

"Where am I? What do you want?" Tails let the litany of questions fly from his mouth. "Is this a dream? It has to be a dream!"

"So many questions…"

The sky thundered, and far below the earth shook.

"Do not be so afraid." The voice was still mocking, still biting in its tone. "This is no dream, however. Nor is it … Hell…"

"Hell?" Tails gulped. He took a tentative step closer to the edge, peering down the drop into the black mists below. A sudden gust of wind blew up, carried by a tormented wail of screams. He jerked back, the breath stolen from his lips.

The voice chuckled mirthlessly.

"The Chosen One should not be so easily spooked. This is my world… my beautiful world… do you hear the screams? It is my Chorus. Do you see the corpses piled high? They are my Throne."

"Who… are you?" Tails asked again, growing a fraction bolder. "I want an answer!"

"They called me Chosen One, once…"

"What?" The young kitsune growled. "What did you say?"

"It is a curse, you know. Disguised as a gift." The cruel deep voice rumbled in tune with the tormented planet's earthquakes. "Do not think that when you awake the Nightmare will be over… Miles… When the Great Dawn is upon you, you too shall Awaken and play your cursed role… Chosen One…"

"I don't understand! I…!" Tails suddenly felt the planet erupt from below, and his footing evaporated in an instant. He tried to spin his tails, tried to slow his fall, but some terrible force, greater than gravity's pull, dragged him down… into the mists and the screams…

He landed in soft powered snow.

Far above, white clouds drifted lazily across the blue sky, framed by the snow-covered branches of a forest pine. He inhaled through his nose, and smelled pine leaves, deer, and… scents similar to his own and Tempest's. They were his kin. They were his family. Limbs weak, he forced himself upright, and looked around the serene scene.

"Moma… Papa…" He knew the scent. He didn't know how, but he did. They were…

He faced the south.

"no…" His voice was small, childlike… A face flashed before his eyes, a female's face. Dark orange hair, beautiful blue eyes like glacial ice. But her eyes… something was missing… Jumping to his feet, he ran south. Whirling his tails behind him, Tails picked up speed rapidly. Clean white snow flew away from him, blew all around him. He raced eyes squinted with frozen tears. Then, out of the blue, three shots rang out, and he was paralyzed. Body freezing up, everything became black.

"noo…"

"I do hope you're been enjoying yourself."

"You know I have!" Lara-Su thought out loud from her perch the roof of one of the Old Town huts. It was close enough for her emerald to make contact with its Master and Maker.

"I went to the Museum of Mobian Antiquities, had lunch in a genuine jazz café, saw the Castle Ruins outside of town and the old Freedom Fighter Headquarters… Oh! And I saw the bell tower, and took a historic tour of the Old Town, and then I spent the rest of the day in the open air market!"

"Sounds like a full day!" Miles exclaimed with very nearly genuine enthusiasm. "Maybe tomorrow you should check out the civic center and the mall. Did you know that, at this time, Knothole had the largest mall on the mainland outside of Casino Night?"

"Really?"

"And if you're interested in the night life, all the really wild clubs are in the old Mobotropolis suburbs. Maybe you could visit one this weekend?"

Lara was about to agree, when she realized something. "The weekend is four days from now."

"Yes. It is."

"Can't you… get me back before then…?"

"Actually… no. It looks like I can't."

Lara's mood instantly turned from sunny, to, if not gloomy, a bit shady.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

She could feel Miles' frown, even from across space and time. "The same disturbance that shot you into this point in time is also keeping you here. The other me may have sent you back in time originally, but I don't know… can't know… what my future self has done or will do."

"But you are him."

"Exactly."

"But you have an idea of how to bring me back?"

"Oh yes. Yes, I have an idea. Just like your emerald is attuned to the me that exists in a certain point in time, your chaos waveform is attuned to a 'proper' point in the timeline. Returning you to that point is easier than moving you from it, just like how a spring naturally returns to a certain shape."

Lara didn't need everything explained to her. She was no genius, but she could see the problem. "I need to find what's keeping me attuned to this point in time."

"Exactly."

"How do I do that?"

"At the moment… I'm not sure. However, I suspect you aren't the only anomaly in this point in time. Keep an eye out for anything unusual. I will continue looking into things from here."

"Miles…" Lara's thoughts echoed the worry clouding her emotions. "I like it here, but I want to come back. I can't help you here."

"I know, Lara. I'll do everything I can for you."

Lara sat alone on the roof, and a shiver ran down her arms. It wasn't just the cold, either. A wave of emotions coursed into her through the emerald. They felt like Miles' but they were different. These were things she had never felt from him before. It had to have come from…

"That night," Miles said, dispassionately. "After I killed that cougar. …how annoying."

"A nightmare?"

"That night, the Devourer spoke to me. Or maybe, for just a moment, my mind touched his. I was oblivious, of course. The entire experience, though… this, and what is to come, almost makes me wish you could change it…change it all…"

Lara could tell he was serious about how it felt. "Really?"

"I suppose. But pain has as much a purpose as pleasure, or so I've come to believe."

Lara didn't disagree, but in her own opinion, one should try and at least minimize pain at all times. Even if it was something to learn from, even if there was a purpose to it, people could learn as much from the carrot as the stick. But what she could feel now…

"You were afraid."

"Terribly."

"But why?" She honestly didn't understand. It was natural to be afraid of something, especially in a nightmare, but that wasn't all she felt. The root of the fear was within.

"Because…" Miles paused, but answered. "Because, deep down, I have always wanted power. In all my life, in adventure after adventure, strength alone has saved the day and protected what I care for. Sonic never won because he was right. He won because he was fast, and strong, and lucky. I suppose… you could say that I have always seen power and greatness as the same thing..."

Sally coughed softly, watching Sonic pace the room. It was one of his more annoying habits – the need to always move some part of his body, especially when he was agitated. Still, she mused, he seemed he taking the situation with Tails… fairly well. Considering he'd held off on jumping Tempest right off the bat, or even verbally insulting him, he had civilized a great deal over the last two years. Of course, as it turned out the blue blur had just been saving all his thoughts up for later. It had been almost an hour since he started, when Sally noticed that Sonic had stopped talking and looked like he was thinking about something instead.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Dunno," Sonic responded. "Ever since this whole thing started, I kinda felt like I've forgotten about something."

"Like what?"

"Sal, if I knew, then I wouldn't have forgotten it."

"Oh right. Well, do you have any clue what it is?"

"Not really. I know it's something important, just can't put my finger on it." Sonic held two fingers up to the side of his face. "And now I've got this crazy feelin' …"

Just then, the door swung open and Sonic and Sally looked toward the doorway to see an angry blue hedgehog standing there, wearing a brown trench coat with a hat under one arm. He was a typical in every other way, the only thing standing out particularly being his sneakers, which were similar to Sonic's, except that the white stripe on his shoes went half way down then looped back around the heel. They were an (expensive) gift from his illegitimate father, Sonic's own Uncle Chuck. He walked into the room and spoke up before either of those present could say anything.

"Well I guess my plea of, 'If you're going to take the car please, please, I beg you please don't forget to pick me up from work' was a little vague."

Sonic stifled a laugh. "Ah. That's what that funky feeling was. What's up, Rush?"

"How did I get home you ask?" Rush asked rhetorically, ignoring his cousin's question. "Well, that's a funny story. After staying on the Angel Island a day and half longer than I should have, I finally came to the conclusion that no one was going to pick me up. But, fortunately there are plenty of planes on the Island, now. Unfortunately, Knothole can't be seen from the air… so guess what: they had to drop me off in the middle of the forest! But no biggie, right? It was only a five HOUR walk home!"

"Walk?" Sally asked. "Why didn't you run?"

Rush had none of Sonic's speed, but he was still fairly fast on his feet.

"Well, that's another funny story. Seems the place they dropped me off at was one of the thickest parts of the forest, making it hard enough to walk, and impossible to run. That is unless of course I wanted to give myself all sorts of cuts and bruises, but I just didn't feel like doing that today." Rush promptly plopped down in a nearby chair, exhausted. "But enough about me! I hope everyone had a nice dinner tonight!"

"Sorry, man." Sonic grinned, and walked over to his Uncle's only son, giving him an apologetic pat on the shoulder. "Things've gotten kinda complicated the last few days."

"I can't believe I forgot!" Sally was more vocal. "I'm really sorry, Rush! Normally I'd have sent Tails to pick you up, but…"

Rush held up a hand and bided her to stop. "Don't worry 'bout it, Sal. What's done is done."

"Well… How did your mission go?" Sally asked calmly, "Well, I hope?"

"Well enough. Knuckles said he'd keep his eye out for any information about this Project Helios thing. But he's still got Dark Legion problems… not to mention Julie-Su problems. And he's still keeping an eye out for Mammoth Mogul. He also wanted to assure you that he had both the Master Emerald and the stray Super Emeralds under his 'protection.' I also checked with Remington in Echidnapolis, and told him to keep an eye out for any Robotnick related activity. He told me there hadn't been any in the last four months, but that he would keep in touch if that changed. Hmm…" Rush almost laughed. "Yep. That's pretty much my full report, ma'am."

Sally cupped her chin. "So whatever he's up to, it isn't related to Angel Island."

"Oh, yeah…" Rush snapped his fingers as he remembered one other thing. "Before you ask, the Echidnapolis Council said they would 'think' about sending us aid. Which is code word for 'no.'"

"That's unfortunate," Sally replied, and turned away, frowning. "But not exactly unexpected."

"Yeah, they're about as useless as ever." Rush clapped his hands together excitedly. "So, what's been going on around here? The usual, I assume?"

"Not… quite…" Sally was somewhat reluctant to let Sonic restart his previous tirade on 'Slow Mo uncool foxes,' so she cut him off before he could start up. "Tails is going through some… changes."

"BIG changes," Sonic interrupted.

"BIG uncool changes?" Rush asked.

"Of the most uncool variety."

"So these changes were both big, and not cool?"

"Neither cool nor small."

"Look!" Sally cut in. God she hated it when they did that. "Tails is growing VERY rapidly…"

"Like the Amazing Colossal Man?"

"No." Sally had always disliked Rush's tendency to mention strange references to things she'd never heard of. "He's… ok, ok, it all started when Tempest came a few days ago."

"Who, now?"

"Tempest. He's another Two-Tailed fox from the Northern Tundra."

"Oh." Rush leaned back, enjoying not having to stand up for the first time today. "Another Tails? Neat. Older or younger?"

"Older." Sonic answered, wanting to get back into the conversation. "Much older. I don't think you see where this's going, Rush."

"Suuurrree I do," Rush replied lazily. "Tails has an older bro, or something. Like I said: Neat."

Sally continued: "He tried to take Tails back north."

"What?" Rush almost choked. "What the hell happened?"

"Tempest came down, and tried to take Tails. Antoine (of all mobians) convinced him to race Sonic for it; and he accepted." Sally quickly added. "Because he thought Sonic was 'small and weak.'"

Rush laughed. "That's rich!"

"Well, Sonic won, as you can imagine, but got pretty beat up running through the forest."

"But I WON," Sonic stressed.

"So Tempest stayed here instead of leaving with Tails. To train him," Sally finished. "Basically."

"Uh huh." Rush raised an eyebrow. "Why would Tails need training? I'm guessing we're not talking about Piano lessons, here."

"No…" Sally shook her head. "Tails is going to grow. A lot. You both know he's grown from the little boy he used to be. But this… phase he's going through is going to be something really major. He's already almost as tall as I am, and still growing. It is more than physical, though… that's the problem."

"You can say that again!" Sonic seconded, and took a deep breath in preparation for his Rant Part 2.

"And he's getting sort of… wild." Sally quickly continued. "Tempest and Antoine called it the 'Turan'ha.' It means Rut. Tempest is here to keep Tails from going crazy or doing anything… dangerous… during the process."

"Woah… this is…"

"AND he's doing a half-assed job, too!" Sonic wouldn't let his cousin finish. "Earlier today, Tails came back like he'd seen a ghost! I didn't say nothing, but what the Hell happened out there? Tempest is messing the kid up and I think…!"

"Sonic, I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt." Sally interrupted him again. "You know, this is the first time Tails has been anything but happy around him!"

"Yeah? At what price, Sal?" Sonic shot back. "He's going to turn Tails into a monster! They're killers!"

"Uh… guys…"

"Killers? If they are, so are we! Those chilidogs aren't tofu, you know! That's processed meat, but still meat!"

"Sal, with all due respect, this guy is some serious bad news. We need to keep our eyes on what he's doing with Tails." Sonic crossed his arms. "That's all I'm saying, Sal. Keep an eye on 'im."

"I know what's he's been doing, Sonic!"

"How?"

"I was there."

"Wa… What?"

"They were just training." Sally slowly started to calm down. "Sparring… he's teaching Tails important skills, and the history and culture of his people. Don't you see? This is the one thing we were never able to give him. Tails deserves to know who he is and where he comes from! And Tempest is teaching Tails to use his full potential. I, for one, support him in what he's doing. Tails… Tails isn't a baby anymore."

"I know that! So what? We just throw him to the vultures? And… since when did you start spending time with ol' Blood on the Brain? Didn't Antoine tell you to avoid him?"

"Believe it or not, Sonic," Sally said the words with as fierce a tone as any they had heard in recent weeks. "I CAN come and go as I please, and meet who I want. I make it a point to keep my mind open."

"Open to what?" Sonic asked archly. "He doesn't care about Tails! He's just turning him… into Him!"

"Out!" Sally just pointed at the door and closed her eyes. "Go. I've had it with you and… and…"

"Fine. I'm gone! Let's go," Sonic said sharply, and made for the door, not waiting for Rush to follow.

"Uh… woah… I guess I'm leaving, then. Bye, Sally. We'll talk more tomorrow… I guess…" Rush nodded quickly and left, right behind his older cousin.

"Damn," Sally said, finally, before turning off the light and throwing herself onto the bed. Why did he have to be so… closed-minded? Normally Sonic was more… well, he was always competitive, but he wasn't normally so hostile. It had to be because he still thought Tempest was 'taking' Tails away from him.

Which… maybe he was. She groaned, still hurting from where Tails had hit her in their last 'play fight.' She shouldn't have thrown Sonic out. She shouldn't have done anything today! She'd have been better off staying in bed! Holding her pillow tightly, she silently cursed.

Outside, Sonic and Rush saw the light go out.

"Something's wrong with her." Sonic growled. "And I'd bet a year's worth of chilidogs and rings it's got to do with Tempest."

"The girl is an island unto herself. Well, I don't know 'bout you, but I'm gonna get some well deserved shut eye." Rush jovially slapped his cousin's back. Sonic's answering gaze was blank, and Rush only shrugged, before the two parted ways.

"NO!" Tails jumped out of his bed. "no…"

Checking his wall clock, Tails confirmed the time: 6:02. Without giving it another thought, the fox left his hut and went down to the Ring Pool, fleeting memories of his dream still dancing in the recesses of his mind. A new ring was glowing brightly over the surface, drowning out the normal morning rays. Sitting at the edge and washing his face off in the clear waters, Tails looked into his reflection. The Kitsune who looked back…was he really Tails? Was he really Miles 'Tails' Prower, Freedom Fighter, or was he Miles Se'Prower Na'Turo, Kitsune?

He had changed… so much.

Too much?

Then his face in the pool changed, distorted by the fall of a leaf. Softer features, blue eyes, longer hair, but the same shade… A word almost sprang, unbidden, from his mouth: 'Mother.'

"No."

Tails reached down into the waters, like in his dream, but felt no warmth below; just more cool water - empty. "What does all mean?"

"You're up?" Tempest was behind him. Tails knew it even before the elder had spoken.

"I am." Tails paused. "Ready to Train. Though… just today, I would prefer we stayed here."

"In Knothole?" Tempest asked. "Isn't this the day you normally go out on patrol for her Highness?"

"We both know the answer to that," Tails spoke frankly. "You're taking my place, aren't you?"

"Yes," Tempest said after a second's delay. "How do you feel, Tails?"

"Well…" Tails cracked his neck to the side to flex it. "Well enough. Just…"

"What?"

"Hungry…" Tails said it almost guiltily. Tempest understood why, at least in a general way, and sat down next to his pupil. He handed the boy a small leather pouch. Tails took it, and immediately smelled what it was. Looking inside only confirmed it.

"What's this?" Tails smelled the cured and dried strip of meat. "Jerky?"

"I made some from that boar you… killed." Tempest inclined his head. "Go on. Try a bite. I haven't taught you how to smoke or prepare meats, yet… As a Kitsune male, you'll need to learn a few recipes. Our vixens can be… particular, and quite demanding. I have a few secrets to it I can pass onto you, if you still want them."

Tails licked his lips, and bit into the first slice. It wasn't as good as it had been when it was fresh off the bone, but it satiated him. It calmed the beast that demanded he kill and consume. Chewing slowly, Tails half smiled.

"Thanks," he said, not nearly as proud and defiant as he once had been. "I'd like that."

"Good. Today's training will be difficult, but ultimately rewarding." Tempest watched as Tails ate. He hoped his concern didn't show in his voice. "Today, you will learn to maintain the purity of the mind."

"Purity of the mind?" The younger fox asked, mouth full. "I'm not naturally introspective…"

"Skill in battle and strength are important to victory, but wasted without a clear mind to guide them." Tempest looked up from where he was sitting. "Or don't you believe me?"

"I… I have a purity of mind."

"Remember when you fought the Princess? You would have won, had you been properly focused."

"And she'd probably be dead," Tails pointed out. "I could have killed her."

"Perhaps." Tempest smiled. "Though I wouldn't underestimate her. She's surprised me more than once."

"I'm sure she has." Tails smiled a little. Tempest sighed.

"Today you shall sit where you are. And not move 'till I return from… your patrol."

"…Excuse me?" Tails gawked. "Sit here? All day? Like this?"

"Yes," Tempest said and nodded. "The Test is twofold. One, it will test your mental strength. It takes more discipline to sit here, voluntarily, and not move, than you would learn by fighting the most deadly foe. And… you'll get less hurt."

"Let me guess the other." Tails quickly deduced it. "Two: a test of my honor and conviction. You will leave, and trust in me not to move while you're away. Am I correct?"

"Exactly." Tempest looked over his shoulder. "I do not believe the Princess will be joining us this morning. You will be alone, Tails."

"How will you know if I move?"

"I will see it in your eyes," Tempest spoke without hesitation, "Plus, I know you're a better animal than that. I already trust you, boy; the question is: do you trust yourself?"

Sonic hated the smell of the place, but he wasn't here for that unique 'garbage dump odor.' Here was here to see his Uncle. His roboticized Uncle. Sir Charles had been both one of the most fortunate and unfortunate of roboticized mobians. One of Robotnick's first victims, he was the mobian most responsible for the development of the roboticizer. He had never stopped blaming himself for the ills it caused, but had tried to atone by working as a spy for the Freedom Fighters.

Years ago, by freak exposure to a Power Ring, Charles had gotten his memory back, if not his body. Since then, despite natural disaster of catastrophic battle, he had worked to make up for what he believed to be past sins. Only recently, he had discovered that a long forgotten tryst two decades ago had produced a son doomed to be abandoned and orphaned by war. He and Rush had never been close, and Sonic had no doubt that the presence of his estranged son was one of the reasons he had left Knothole for his old sanctuary in Robotropolis.

Despite the fact that his secret was no longer just that, the city's overlord had never found Charles. All Robotropolis' systems and security procedures were still tailored to identify and eliminate living creatures and intruders, not existing mechanized threats from within. Based in the vast and uncharted man-made wasteland of the Robotropolis Dump, Charles survived, using whatever resources he could muster to continue the fight, and one day make amends.

The Dump was a constantly shifting maze, but Sonic knew the way.

Up.

Over.

Through!

"Yo Uncle Chuck!" Sonic came to a stop near an old shed, amid a cloud of dust. A second later, a hooded figure emerged from the shed, hand covering his face.

"A freak weather phenomena just came into town." The robot mock coughed on the dust that blew up and away from Sonic's extreme stop. "They're calling it Hurricane Sonic, I hear."

"Yeah," Sonic blew the stuff out of has face. "Oops."

"So, what brings you here, Sonie?"

"I need to talk… with someone sane." Sonic immediately regretted blurting out that last part.

"Oh," Uncle Chuck nodded, and pulled out an old makeshift steel chair from behind the broken hunk of a crashed transport. "Go on."

"Ok…" Sonic took a deep breath. "A while back, this guy came into Knothole looking for Tails. He was a fox just like him, with two tails, and wanted to take the kid back North, because he thought we were too weak and stupid to take care of him, even though we'd… I'D practically raised him since he was a kit! So, then, Ant convinces the guy to race me for him, and I win …naturally. But he sticks around anyhow, taking Tails out into the woods, and teaching him to kill things, and messing up the kid's mind!"

"Priority One! Halt Freedom Fig--" The Swatbot was cut off as a large piece of machinery thrown by a very irate blue hedgehog took its head off.

"…Ok then…" Sonic took another deep breath. "Then Sally starts taking a liking to him, or feeling sorry for him, or something, and starts chewing ME out for trying to keep an eye on the guy! And now… Now, she's actually planning on going on Patrol with the guy while Tails just sits by the ring pool, sulking! He doesn't even get up or anything. I don't think he's even eaten in like a day! Oh, and yesterday, he brought Tails back, and the kid was pale as a ghost! The whole place is totally whacked out!"

"Sonie… have you actually told Sally all that?"

"Uh… kinda. This was the short version." Sonic finally exhaled. "Why? You want the long version?"

"No… that's ok. I got the basics of it."

"Well? What do you think?"

"I think… if you told Princess Sally all that, it's no wonder she's mad at you."

"Huh?"

Charles sighed. "Tell me, have you talked to this young man yet?"

"Tempest?" Sonic scoffed at the idea. "Well …No. Not really."

"You should." Chuck got off the chair. "That's my advice. Anything else I can help ya with?"

"…"

"Oh, and while you're at it… I've found something strange going on recently. No new junk was being thrown out here, so I did a little investigation work. It seems Robotnick has started, and get this: a recycling program. He must be running out of raw materials. Plus, and I doubt this is a coincidence, he's been sending scouting parties to the northlands. You may want to ask this Tempest fellow if he knows anything about them."

"…"

"Sonic!" Charles snapped his fingers, getting the hedgehog's attention. "Where is this …Tempest, now?"

"He's… He's…"

"He's…?"

"He's on patrol."

"Oh… ok then."

"…With Sal."

"OH. Ohhhh… I see." Chuck rubbed his steel reinforced chin. "I'd hurry then, wouldn't you?"

"Yeah… yeah, I better." Sonic mumbled a little, then cheered up. "Thanks, Uncle Chuck."

"Alright… scoot along, now. Before that Swatbot's friends show up. I'd better get moving, too."

"Swatbot?" Sonic looked over his shoulder at the headless robot, stumbling around stupidly. "Oh yeah. Him."

"After Robotnik tried that, we had to be a lot more careful letting new people into Knothole. I never imagined that anyone would be willing to sell us out like that. They should've known better to deal with someone like Robotnick. …Hmm, that's about where you came in."

"I see." Tempest pushed aside another piece of twisted metal from his way. The borders of the city weren't his idea of a fruitful place to patrol, and he would have rather avoided it, but he needed to leave for Tails to learn to meditate alone… and he had other, less honorable reasons, he had to admit. This … thing between himself and the Acorn Princess needed to be sorted out.

"That's quite a resume' you've worked up," he continued talking. "And… it's good to hear that at least one echidna is still around. Much less a whole city of them."

"Really? Your people are familiar with the echidnas?"

Tempest 'hmfed.' "You could say that. We launched a few… raids… on the island when it passed near the northlands about… oh, four hundred or so years ago. It was pretty messy fighting, though… both the Dingo and Echidna had superior weapons, and every campaign was plagued by strange occurrences, ill omens, and reports of tiny 'gremlins.'"

"Still, many Ephor Anthals - the word we have for those who lead individual Clans - saw the foes on the island as a great opportunity for glory and bragging rites." Tempest didn't miss the way Sally looked him disapprovingly. "One can hardly blame them, really. We had never seen such a thing before. Our natural response was to gauge their power through combat. Much glory was gained in those battles, but much glory was lost, as well. We did get some good from it, however…"

"What?" Sally asked, curious.

"Well… where did you think most of our weaponry came from during the wars with your southerners? We are not an industrial people."

"Are you telling me the Echidna were supplying you?"

Tempest grinned. "Tradition tells us that after our last attempted invasion of the Island, the Echidna offered us a deal. They were engaged in a war of attrition with the dingo, and they were losing. So, they offered us technology and weapons, if we would help fight their war for them. Many chafed at dealing with the echidna and fighting the dingo, but eventually all the Clans accepted the policy."

"So, we gave them warriors… mercenaries, you would call them, and they gave us technological parody with our enemies. The fact is… during our wars with your grandfather's people, we were often better equipped than you, which is why you lost all but the last war." Tempest corrected that. "Really, we would have won the last war, too. Had the One-Tails not defected."

"Though, that does explain a lot…" Sally pointed to his belt and the strange cylinders that hung to one side of it. "Are any of those weapons?"

"A few." Tempest laughed softly.

"Do you still have all of it? The Technology?"

"Hmm? Oh… of course. Up to the point at which they disappeared. We sent a party of warriors up soon after they stopped sending supplies. Many thought they had betrayed us, and others believed they had been vanquished, as none of our mercenaries on the island ever returned… but the whole place was deserted. Even their cities were gone. So we studied and kept what we could and had. Our Wise Men understand it all by now, or so I'm told, but we lack the ability to manufacture many items except by hand."

"We've been looking for a way to build a better deroboticizer… ours still has a failure rate under certain conditions. Have you heard of anything that could undo the roboticization process at home?"

"No… I am not familiar with this 'roboticization,'" Tempest said, but added, "Though… some elder warriors have been known to replace weak limbs with cybernetic ones. Usually, when it is our time to die, we do so either in battle, or with just suddenness. We do not wither, like most."

Sally stepped over the remains of a half destroyed Combot as they continued their patrol. "How long do you live then?"

"Longer than you'd expect. My Father was thirty years in age when he… died. His father lived 'till thirty-five. My Great Grandfather died in a blood duel with the legendary Fedral Na'Fa'Rah, who slayed many foes of his Family. It was no disgrace for my great grandfather to lose to such a warrior in honorable combat." Tempest smiled wistfully. "On average… we live around 30 to 40 years, though some Elders are twice that. It is not as long as many other mobians, but they are long years full of life! A kitsune breathes his last breath when he stops feeling the world around him, and reveling in it."

Sally stopped, and looked out over the edge of a bluff at the dead city of Robotropolis. "This was beautiful …once."

Ho stood next to her, but didn't agree.

"Did you know that a few years ago, we approached the dragons… Dulcy's kin… and asked if they would help us. They said 'no.'"

"I'm not surprised," Tempest said, crossing his arms.

"We asked the humans, too," Sally continued. "They were already fighting, but refused to have anything to do with us. At least until Tails started to work with them. The echidna signed a non-aggression pact last year…" she looked over at him. "And then there are your people, Tempest. But the kitsune won't help us either, will they?"

"No," he admitted. "Not in any of the ways you expect."

She sighed sadly, closing her eyes.

"The whole world is in this fight… and if we lose, everyone does. If even one of the other powers: you, the humans, the dragons, the echidna, if even one just outright helped us…!" Her eyes opened, and there was anger and frustration written on them. "Why? Why won't anyone help us?"

"I can not speak for the other races," Tempest replied, voice stoic but understanding of her plight. "But there is a deep enmity towards southerners among the kitsune. The Elders still remember the betrayal of the one-tails. Sometimes, Princess, a people wish only to be left alone."

"Your people are a part of this world as much as mine," Sally retorted.

"Merely sharing the same planet means nothing." Tempest looked out over the bluff, towards the inner section of the Ring of suburbs surrounding Robotropolis. "Before Robotnik rose to power here, more than a few of our War Leaders had plans for this city. Had Robotnik not been here… many Ephors wished to sack this city."

Sally nodded slowly, as if expecting the grim news. "Why?"

"The humans wished us to involve ourselves in their war with you," Tempest said with a shrug. "Many wished to avenge the betrayal of the one-tails. The Clans on the border lost a great deal of power and prestige when your Grandfather invaded. My Clan included."

"I was not averse to the proposal myself," he answered plainly, honestly. "I would have been among them, and you… would likely have been killed. Maybe even at my hands. But then, that Princess wouldn't be you. She'd be a spoiled, self centered royal brat, with no instinct… no concept of honor. She wouldn't be a warrior worthy of your name."

"So you'd have no problem killing her, but not me. Is that right?" Sally asked.

"It would seem so," he agreed and growled though it came out more like a content rumble in his throat. "You are… standing close to me again. Like the night before. Why?"

"Well… I thought you might like it," she smiled up at him. "And… I…"

"I can tell you, Princess," Tempest stiffened. "That you confused me by doing it. I do not like confusion."

She did likewise, and stood away from him with a huff. "So… you don't like…"

"Confusion." Tempest interrupted. "No I do not."

She turned on him, with sudden anger. "Am I that repulsive that you don't even want me near you?! All because I'm… I'm… Not one of you?"

She pointed at his two tails, their black tips waving in the air.

"Because I don't have those?" She raged. "Are you really that shallow?!"

"I am not…" Her anger seemed contagious, and he was quickly less than calm himself. "It is Tradition! Do you have any idea what that even means to me? No! Because you are not kitsune! And every time I smell you…"

Sally's eyes widened. "Smell me?! So now I STINK too?!"

"No!" Tempest held his hands up, warding her off. "It's just… your smell… it is not just mobian squirrel and chipmunk like you said…"

Sally's anger deflated a bit. "W… what?"

"I smell more." He frowned. "I smell more that just that. It is faint, but… but it… it is almost like another fox. A one tail."

"I don't have any fox blood." She said with confidence. "I'd know if there was."

"I don't doubt that…" Tempest lowered his hands, trying to appear non-threatening. "Besides. You have that hedgehog. He is worth Prey… he is a good animal. The boy thinks the world of him, and tells me you do, too."

Sally's anger quickly dissipated. "I… I know… I feel for him, but… but…"

"But what?" He pressed. It was time to get this thing out in the open. Time to deal with it and be done with such foolishness.

"But…" Sally looked away from him, hiding her face. "But I was never particularly attracted to him… physically…"

Silence.

Tempest had no idea what to say. Sally watched him, expecting something, though she had no idea what. For once, she didn't regret what she had said. It was the truth, and it felt good – liberating – to get it out. When he said nothing, however, she began to worry. She took a step towards him, and saw his tails bristle up.

"Stop…" Tempest said, softly. "I smell another scent. Nearby. I believe it is overlander. How many are there in the city?"

"Two. Usually." Sally looked around from left to right, other troubles quickly put to the wayside. "You can 'smell' them?"

"Quite distinctly." Tempest took a deep breath in through his black nose. "One is sweating… quite profusely. The other… is odd. Difficult to describe… whoever it is, he, they both are male, must be quite large to have a trail this thick…"

"Robotnik," Sally growled this time. "He'd be the 'large' one. Snively would be the other. Are they close by?"

"They are upwind now." Tempest pivoted, sniffing the air. "The trail is fading rapidly. This is my fault… I was distracted and didn't think to…"

"What have we here?" A loud voice boomed, and off in the distance, around two hundred feet out away from the bluff, a large platform rose from the broken ruins of an old factory. Robotnick sneered at the two of them from atop the armored platform, flanked by two transports of Combots.

"Though…" the Eggman added. "Calling me 'large' is a bit rude, isn't it?"

"My apologies." Tempest crossed his arms, and spoke loudly enough for the human to hear him. "Lord Robotnik of Robotropolis, I assume. I also smelt your particular brand of aftershave… but it seemed odd to say you smelt of cherries. Your aftershave?"

"Actually, that would be my shower gel..." Robotnik stroked his long whisker like moustache. "I never expected to find one of your kind here. Well… maybe the little one."

"We'd better go…" Sally tried to grab Tempest's arm, but he motioned for her to relax.

"Robotnik, I have heard much about you."

"I suppose you would. That is the Crown Princess clinging to your arm, is it not?"

"It is. I would advise your automaton guards to stand down."

"Why is that? You're on my land, fox."

"My name… is Tempest Na'Vidar. Of the Clan Vidar. I am a representative of my people. And… unless you wish war with us, and I suspect you, as the former head of the War Ministry of the Kingdom of Acorn, would know what that would mean, I suggest you order your units to stand down. Aren't you already fighting a war on three fronts?"

The tyrant gritted his teeth. "The Freedom Fighter with you is an Enemy of the State."

"She is under my protection. And so she shall remain."

"You presume too much, my friend! I could just… take her from you."

"Really?" Tempest growled. "Try, then. We all live or die by our actions, not words."

Robotnik jumped from his platform, and with his arm he waved to his Combots to stand down. "Your people would never know about this… had it happened."

"They'd suspect the worst, Tyrant. Your patrols have violated our lands. You think I do not know? Already, my people are stirring for war… and your blood." Tempest formed a fist, and raised it to his eyelevel. "This is how wars begin, or have you forgotten?"

"I… welcome," Robotnik spat the word. "Contact with the Clans of the North. Any intrusion is purely a result of coincidence and miscommuniction and not malice on my part. However, I cannot abide you providing sanctuary for dissidents and terrorists. It will, ultimately, lead to instability for the both of us."

"And, how do their actions differ from yours? You overthrew the last government here because it was weak. If they overthrow you; it will be for the same reason."

"Clansman." Robotnik held out his hand. "In the interests of peace… and mutual good will… will you hand over that terrorist?"

"No. I shall not," Tempest answered without hesitation. "Frankly, Lord Robotnik: I do not trust you, nor do I trust your instincts or your honor. However… we shall not attack you without provocation. Pray we do not take your violation of our lands as such."

"Of course." Robotnik grinned. It looked like a cave lined with pearly white blocks. "It is, however, an honor to finally meet one of your people. The Kingdom of Acorn is our mutual enemy. Perhaps we could come to some agreement, as I have with the echidna and the dragonkin…"

"The agreement we have so far is enough for our present relationship. We have talked to you. It is more cordial a reception than your predecessors received." Tempest quickly looked down at Sally, who was still holding onto his arm angrily. "Speak, Princess… say what you will, and we shall take our leave."

"Robotnik." Sally took a deep breath, looking the despot in the eyes. "Robotnik… One day… one day soon, we'll be free of you. It may come at my hands… Sonic's… or even Tempest's… but one day, you will pay for your crimes."

"Nonsense!" Robotnik tried to laugh politely. "Well, if you must go, then, please do. Tempest, convey to your people my deepest wishes for cooperation and coexistence. I intend to be a better neighbor than the many who came before me."

"Lord Robotnik of Robotropolis." Tempest nodded slightly.

"Someday soon!" Sally swore.

"Oh… and do not attempt follow us. I have the scent of those robots of yours: They stink of pollution and motor oil. I will know if they try."

"I wouldn't think of it." Robotnik's left eye twitched slightly. Holding onto Sally with one arm wrapped around her waist, Tempest turned, and in an instant, took off in the direction of the closest cover – the polluted and dying edge of the Great Forest. Watching them go, Robotnik snarled; more than any animal of the forest ever had.

"I'll assign a group of Combots to…" Snively started, speaking up from where he was hiding behind a control station on the floating platform.

"No." Robotnik raised a hand, cutting his quasi-nephew off. "Don't. He'll know they're coming."

"But… Sir…"

"I know, you idiot!" Robotnick roared, and Snively cringed in fear at the outburst. "But what good is finding Knothole if our heads are hung on some savage's wall like trophies?!"

"Sir… you're not afraid of them, are you?"

"Afraid, no. But I'm not stupid, Snively. I'm not going to start a war unless… or until, I'm sure I can win. And we are already stretched thin as it is. I will wait for now… Soon, Helios will deliver them all into my hands…"

"Aye… Sir," Snively felt the aerial Platform shutter as Robotnik sat back on his much-padded seat, and, pressing a few controls, headed back for the heart of the City. There was more important work to be done. Snively knew the potential power of the Helios Project. He still hated his master, this… thing that was his uncle… but the alternative was even worse. No: He'd have to keep his eyes open for an opportunity, just like he had when the Ultimate Annihilator was constructed.

At the very least, he could live under Robotnick.

The Acorns, he knew, would kill him.

Still, all he was doing by buying time. This version of Robotnick would bring a world of death to Mobius with the completion of Project Helios, and while Snively did not waver in the application of deadly force, he wanted to live! Not die! What he really needed … was more time. And an ally. Or a dupe. But he needed some sort of edge! Some way! Though it galled him, desperate men often took desperate measures. He had seen the way Shadow looked at his 'Master.'

Yes!

He could be manipulated. The so-called 'Ultimate Lifeform' of his Great Grandfather was unpredictable, but apparently loyal and willing to follow orders. Shadow was also powerful and very successful in tasks assigned to him. Perhaps it was time to take a chance. Colin Kintobor the Second, he silently vowed, would not go quietly into the night!

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--Notes Chapter 2--

As I said before, I've never been that happy with the first two chapters of COA:ACO. Contrary to how it may seem, I never really liked using the original characters (even Tempest), which is why these two beginning chapters often annoy me as an author. There's no way I can be truly happy with them without making massive changes to the in-verse continuity. A few things:

The first is Tempest's introduction. I've tried a few times in revisions for the Reload of ACO to better get across his character, toeing the line between him being a jerk and him being somewhat polite about it. He exists in the fic as a kitsune role model, but not in the case of "emulate this guy" but more "listen, learn, and don't be like him." Tempest represents the fundamental flaws of his people, who could be useful, but refuse to be. Like all kitsune, he is xenophobic, isolationist, and slaves to their Traditions (without even wondering why they have those traditions in the first place). Their "powers" are the same things that beat them into conformity. Tempest is only a little more liberal than most by virtue of him not being accountable to anyone except his six immediate peers (the other Ephors).

Nonetheless, I'm never really happy with how I have to write Tempest in these intro chapters. He comes off as much more the character I intended in NWO (New World Order), where he's "himself" and back among his own kind.

The second big thing is the Tempest/Sally stuff. From the very first iteration of the story, this was but the first of many examples of relationship failure in COA. My purposes in it were: A. To again show how the kitsune groupthink basically makes them unable to adapt to situations, even when they want to; B. To make Sonic jealous of a possible rival vis-à-vis Sally, as a counter to thee flings he's had that did the same for her – in other words, it's a catalyst for Son/Sal to "get more serious"; C. It is also an avenue for me to fill in more backstory and some characterization.

I'm often still not happy with it. Too much of it seems rushed now, since I had to collapse 4 chapters of stuff into 2 to make room for all the new action and stuff in Chapter 3 onward.

Rush (one of the OCs that weren't my creations) also shows up here, for like one scene and then disappears. I retained the characters because in the original outline, he has more of a role in Book Three. Which is hundreds and hundreds of pages from now. Lol. Well, here he gives a little background info on Angel Island.

As an author, I often worry about these two chapters turning off readers. Especially because of OCs (that subsequently fade into the background in the following chapters). Well, there's tons of action and new stuff for those who muscled through this far and read on…